Captain Cook Memorial Museum  

Grape Lane, Whitby, Yorkshire YO22 4BE

Tel: 01947 601900

website: www.whitby-uk.com

In Whitby's Grape lane in a narrow street near the harbour, stands John Walker's house, home to Captain Cook. Cook lodged in the attic of this house from 1746 to 1749 while serving as an apprentice to ship owner John Walker. Visitors can see displays and models relating to Cook's life and voyages and can also see where Cook slept.

At the very top of the house, in the ship-timbered attic, the young James Cook pursued his winter studies by candlelight; huddled by the chimney breast for warmth, he must often have looked across the river to the shipyards where, later, the ships he would use on his famous voyages - Endeavour, Resolution, Adventure and Discovery would be built.

James Cook's explorations started at the house in Grape Lane, Whitby, from where his skills, courage and adventurous spirit took him to sail, as he himself said, "…not only as far as man has gone before, but as far as it is possible for man to go."